Michael's Wedding - Mom's Dress

Over the course of my life, I have been known to be idealistic, unrealistic and sometimes just plain goofy...but always an artist or so I imagine myself. This time I got it into my head to make the dress I am going to wear to my son's wedding, coming up at the end of May. With my recent commitment to making an artsy wearable wardrobe, it seemed the right thing to do. So in recent weeks (months actually) I got busy working on what I have dubbed Project "Mike's Wedding-Mom's Dress." I poured through pattern books, Vogue, Butterick, Simplicity, independents...all of them...with a frenzy that only a Chun Girl like myself would understand. "Chun" is my maiden name and we Chuns tend to do things with great intensity. Yep, I bought patterns, this one, that one; oh so many!! My sis finally suggested, "Why don't you make that one...that Marcy Tilton top which fits you well and is very stylish? It's such a simple pattern. Embellish it with fabulous jewelry; that'll make the outfit." Inspiration! She was right. If I picked the correct fabric and added a simple fitted tea-length skirt to complement the top, this could be a winner. I found the perfect skirt pattern, especially for knit fabrics, "The Magic Pencil Skirt," by Pamela's Patterns. This skirt is comprised of one pattern piece that you use for front and back, both cut on the fold. I needed to make adjustments to tighten up the skirt to make it a bit more form fitting and also to add length to the skirt pattern. A seam down the center of the back piece instead of cutting it on the fold allowed me to make the adjustment I was looking for. Major time was spent in finding the correct knit fabric, primarily taking into consideration fabric weight...heavy enough to support the fitted skirt, but fluid enough for the top to drape properly. After hours of searching, I found my fabric through the internet from, of all places, Hart's Fabrics in Santa Cruz, California. I grew up in Santa Cruz. Hart's is the fabric store that my mom used to take my sister and me to when we first began sewing. I have good memories of going to the fabric store with my mom. Hart's is where I bought the fabric and notions for my very first attempt at sewing a dress and where we bought the fabric for my son's first baby blanket that my mom helped me make so many years ago. My mother passed away a while back, but I still have that baby blanket...sigh. Thank you, Hart's Fabrics; thank you Mom! My outfit is done. Papa Paz says, "Mama, this looks like a wedding outfit for sure...very nice!" He's my biggest supporter and fan, good or bad, no matter how my finished projects turn out. I included a closeup of the fabric where I hope you can see the glittery silver threads that is a part of this knit fabric; not too shimmery! I would not want to be a blazing beacon at Michael's wedding, after all. I think this fabric is just right. I think I'll be brave and wear it... fly my colors, so to speak. ; )

Marcy Tilton Patterns - Knit T-shirt & Vest

Marcy Tilton is one of my favorite clothing designers who designs for Vogue Patterns. I have purchased several of Marcy's patterns as her designs are very creative and speak to the artist in me. The neck detail of this t-shirt pattern has a wonderfully stylish twist. The band should actually be wider but I had to make adjustments in order to make it lie flat, just as Marcy's instructions indicated might be the case depending on the fabric used. I had purchased cream-colored cotton knit (for the t-shirt) and mesh fabric (for the vest), both in the same color, for a very cheap price at the garment district in Los Angeles. The cotton t-shirt fabric worked up fine though not as stretchy and soft to the touch as I might have liked, but the mesh? Whew!! I generally pre-shrink all my fabrics before sewing. I noticed the material had "seized up" a bit after going through the wash, and the pretty mesh was definitely not as sheer and not so pretty anymore. I had to add tucks to the vest at the shoulders, front and back and make adjustments to the overall length (cut, cut, cut) to size this garment for a proper fit since it had stretched quite a bit during construction. All is said and done now and I have two great garments. I'll make these again but will splurge on the right kind of knit fabric next time.

Beads!! Pin Kit

I have had it in mind to do beadwork. With that, I recently purchased a Beaded Pin Kit (by Ruthmarie Hofmann, Email: hofmannoriginals@prodigy.net) when I was at the January quilt show in Ontario, CA. The kit provides a square of batik print fabric, a paper template, a variety of beads (bead soup), a covered button form and pin, thread and needle. Using the fabric print as a guide, you can create your own unique beaded design. This is fun to do, if not a little tedious. While working on my pin, I accidentally upset my plate of loose beads and the teeny tiny beads went flying. I'll be more aware of my workspace next time. Luckily, I was able to distract Henry the Yorkie Pup away from the area as I crawled around on hands and knees to retrieve all those tiny beads. My camera does not focus up-close, but these pictures show current progress. I wish you could see it more clearly because it's really turning out quite pretty. I'll post the finished jewelry piece when done. My ultimate goal is to learn enough about bead embellishment to do some artsy beadwork on artsy garments in the future.

Oh Henry! Yorkie Pup Update

If you've read past journal entries about this Casita, you have already met Henry the Yorkie Pup (reference article, April 2009). Henry is one year old now and here he is, all 6.33 lbs of him with one of his favorite toys. Is he all grown up now, I wonder? On the subject of productivity in the workroom and at home, we all have excuses as to why things don't always get done; mine is Henry. I want to sew and do artsy things, but Henry wants to play and cavort. Inevitably, when I'm hard at work on this project or that, Henry shows up in my sewing room with a chewy toy that squeaks, wanting to play. Henry's favorite games are Run-run-run/Catch Me if You Can and Hide and Seek; he runs or hides, as the case may be, and I'm supposed to do the chasing. He's adorable...how can I say NO! NO! to that little face in the donut ring? I have Henry duty mornings and weekdays, Papa has nights and weekends. Henry is a playful little prince but sometimes all I want to do is sit and sew. Oh Henry!!

Tweedy Wool Vest - Kwik Sew #3705

Here's a lined wool vest which I just finished for my friend Kathy, using Kwik Sew #3705. Kat and I visited the Los Angeles garment district a couple of weeks ago and stopped in at Michael Levine's to shop for fabric. That day all woolens were 20% off and Kat picked out a deep rich teal interwoven with black; very subtle, very pretty, very Kathy. We decided upon black taffeta for the lining. The weave of this woolen fabric tended to unravel very easily and required careful attention in handling once the pattern pieces were cut. Otherwise, the vest was easy to sew, following the pattern instructions, and I was done in no time at all. This was a fun project to practice sewing skills on; pockets, putting in the lining...that kind of thing. Since completing the vest, I also finished my first pair of pants and I am more excited than ever about sewing. I chose a European-style pant pattern by Lois Hinse, using a lightweight denim. Had to adjust the fullness in the legs for a sleeker fit, but otherwise I had very good luck.

Batik Jacket - It's a Winner

Just completed this jacket using a rayon-based batik fabric, Maid Marian from Sawyer Brook's Fall II Collection. The photos don't do justice to the richness of the background colors of this pretty batik print. The jacket pattern which comes from CNT Pattern Co. promised a quick sew (3 hrs??? I don't think so). After preshrinking the fabric in my washing machine...cool wash, medium spin...I threw it in the dryer with good results; the fabric came out intact and ready to cut and sew. This fabric is very fluid and requires care in cutting. I also encountered problems sewing the seams where the neckline and shoulder meet and finishing the collar. I struggled, partly because of the nature of this very soft, drapy, somewhat difficult-to-handle fabric and partly because of the design of the front, collar and front facing pattern piece. Not as simple to sew as I had expected, but it all ended with good results. As promised in the pattern description, the finished jacket's feminine silhouette is comfortable and stylish. I may use this pattern again, but next time I'll go with the 3/4 sleeve option for a more casual approach.

Crinkly Slippery Polyester Update - Bah Humbug!

Not happy with the olive green color of this polyester fabric. The color is neutral enough, but it's drab and non-descript and will need good accessorizing. I MUST remember color palette, even for test garments. The shirt's nearly complete. This was a breeze to sew. The collar is flattering, simple and was easy to construct and install. Not crazy about the cut of the sleeve. It goes from baggy under the upper arm (don't like this) to a very close fit at the wrist (I like this). I don't know fashion terminology, but I'm finding that fabric selection is critical to making these under-constructed designer patterns look right. I think the sleeve for this pattern will drape properly with a good knit instead of the woven, crinkle polyester that I used. We'll see.

Crinkly Slippery Polyester

I don't normally sew polyester fabric because I find it difficult to handle...it can be so slippery, not to mention the static cling factor - ouch! I prefer natural fabrics, i.e., cotton, linen, wool, but I promised myself to try new things this year and practice, practice, practice. I went to JoAnn's Fabrics and purchased two pieces - one a drab olive color crinkly polyester, the other a deep, rich navy/black textured polyester. Crazy! I'm working on the olive green piece this week, using Christine Jonson's Straight Shirt Jacket #723 for the pattern. It's a simple pattern, easy to sew, but the polyester fabric has a mind of its own. I think I'm winning the battle, but the proof will be in the finished garment. We'll see.

Cotton Kimono Jacket

December 31st...finishing this cotton kimono-sleeve house jacket today. I used a cotton fabric which doesn't drape as well in the sleeve area as I would like, but it works. The jacket is lined with black cotton batiste which will make for comfortable wear. All that's left to do is to handstitch the lining of the sleeves to the main body and close the opening where I turned the jacket right side out after lining it. I picked this print for its quirky Oriental cuteness (see pocket detail). The design element of this jacket pattern, an out-of-print Simplicity (#5153), works perfectly to compliment this busy print. I still need to work on adding embellishments to my creations, i.e., beading, threadwork, fabric manipulation, etc., to take this "wearable art" phase to the next level. New Year's Resolution? To design and sew a fun, artsy, wearable wardrobe in 2010...oops...and to get back to finishing those UFOs in my quilt basket. How about you? Current state of Calico Quilter's crafty courage? I mostly only wear my artsy creations at home.

Goodbye 2009

There's a certain sadness that weighs heavily upon my heart, especially as I ponder the state of Planet Earth and humanity as a whole as we move forward into the New Year. In 2010 I will be working on numerous arts projects. I am just a simple artist who hopes to make a small difference through creative expression and positive interaction. So much to do, so little time.

Chris' Closet - Linen Blouse

So last week I went on a sewing binge. Result: two shirts completed, one linen and one calico. Here's the gray linen one that I made (picture). Pattern: Textile Studio Patterns - Mandarin Shirt Jacket #1213. I'm not done yet. It's Saturday and today Papa drove me to the garment district in L.A. where I shopped for more fabric to make more stuff. Boy did I ever have fun! Specifically shopped at Michael Levine's as I didn't have time to shop-hop from vendor to vendor. Finished this shopping excursion by eating lunch at Phillipe's, a very old, very famous deli in Los Angeles. French Dip Sandwiches...mmmm good!

Chris' Closet - Sweet Calico Blouse

Last week Papa Paz needed my car all week long and since I had no where to go and no way to get there, I took the opportunity to stay put at the Casita and do some sewing. I chose Simplicity #4077 from my pattern box for a shirt (pictured), using a sweet calico print. The blouse is very simple but it suits me. I have always loved calico prints and this is one that I've kept in my fabric stash for a very long time. I'll kind of miss having it uncut and intact, but the blouse is country cozy and will serve its wearer well.

Tree of Life Mini Quilt

He will be like a tree firmly planted

by streams of water,

which yield its fruit in its season

and its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does he prospers.

Psalms 1:1-3

I pieced together a Tree of Life quilt block some time ago. It's part of a larger Sampler of Psalms design which I was lucky enough to come across on the Internet. I have taken a part of the verse and added embroidery designs, using machine embroidery, to enhance the sweetness of this wallhanging. The finished piece will measure approximately 11" x 15". Click photo to see in greater detail. Tree of Life quilt block source: http://members.shaw.ca/wordinpatchwork/psalmtree.html

Making Sock Monkeys

Fixed my sewing machine without having to take it to the shop thanks to the kind lady at Mel's who answered the phone and guided me step by step. Turns out I had to re-engage the gears of the bobbin case by manually handcranking the wheel...it's just a machine after all. Currently stitching out a Sock Monkey onto an 8" block of calico fabric. Making a special 1st birthday quilt for Baby Chloe. I found this embroidery design at designsbysick.com. Loving it!

Goldie's Bowl - I Like to Write

Here's what I know about me... I enjoy journaling. I am a long-winded writer. As of today, I am still knitting, not quilting. I have a Bernina 830 sewing/embroidery machine...big, powerful, does all things. Today (10/26/09) mine's out of order and I have to take it in for fixing. Otherwise I would get back to sewing/quilting/embroidery projects. Big sigh! Unfinished Christmas projects are piling up.

Goldie's Bowl - Quilting vs. Knitting

These past weeks, I have dedicated most of my time to knitting and crocheting rather than quilting. Knitting is one of my favorite things to do. But then...I say the very same thing about quilting when I am working on my quilts. I sometimes think about those quilt projects of mine that are not getting done while I'm busy knitting and crocheting and I wonder how other crafters do it. While the weather continue to be very warm during the day here in Southern California, the nights have cooled and the weather is turning. I welcome the cool autumn evenings and early mornings. I have begun knitting this year's Christmas gifts for friends and family.

Books, books, books!

These are some of my craft books. The casita has been shut down for paint and repair for most of this past summer and my books as well as most everything in the house had been stored in boxes in my son's storage unit during the major part of the remodel. Quilting and other projects went on the backburner, pending completion of the house. It's September and things have been back in order for a while now at the casita, except for my workroom and a few other spot projects throughout the house which are almost done. Until today my books have been stacked in piles in the closet. It's been a slow process for me to want to start up again. I have many excuses, not to mention the puppy, humid weather, garden chores, housework, misc. appointments, catching up with my reading, but mainly...pure delightful laziness. Henry the Yorkie pup is going on 9 months old. Potty training's no longer an issue, but Henry is full of puppy energy. He digs up the garden, runs, jumps, loves to squeak and play with his toys ALL DAY LONG, in between puppy naps, all with joyful, youthful glee. Exhausting! As usual in my tiny garden, this past summer I grew jalapenos, bell peppers and tomatoes. My crop was small, but the harvest was a success (except for the bell pepper). Papa and I enjoyed jalapeno poppers and I made my famous Chinese Beef Tomato dish for supper. There were lots of green tomatoes left on the bush at the end of August, enough to make a Sweet Green Tomato Relish, which I have already put up in 1/2-pint jars, now stored in the pantry; a yummy condiment. Thank goodness I couldn't sleep last night and started to organize my books. In sorting through the stacks and stacks of books that I have collected over the years, I am reminded of those things that I love to do, i.e., quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet, weaving, embroidery, jewelrymaking, and arts and crafts in general, and I am finally inspired to take up where I left off. It's crazy to be up so early without a full night of sleep, but I am ready to get back to work. I recently took up my knitting needles and finished knitting a thick pair of warm gray socks for my son and just started on a soft pink pair for my sis. Christmas presents, you know; socks for everyone! Am glad to be back on board!

Chloe's Quilt - Fabric Pick

Chloe is my baby granddaughter, 6 months old. When asked about what she might like, her mommy said, "Maybe something bright; Chloe loves to look at bright colors, flowery prints and...stripes. She's very interested in stripes." Stripes?? hmmm... Well here's my pick (click on photo for up-close detail). Like Morgan's quilt, this will be a wash and wear quilt. Chloe and Mommy like to sit outside on the grass on nice sunny days while dad's at work, or sometimes Chloe rolls around playfully on the floor during tummy time. It'll be fun to see how this quilt blooms and a pleasure to make something special for sweet Baby Chloe that she can use to tote around for fun.

My Garden - Spring 2009

It's springtime and my garden thrives as the weather warms. The small front entry to the Casita is planted with a collection of white flowers, primarily roses. It's never very cold in Southern California; however, we do have what's called the June Gloom annually, which simply means overcast and cool in the morning. Tending to the garden in the spring takes me away from the sewing room for a while. My herb collection includes echinaeca, aloe and scented geranium (photos). This miniature aloe plant has helped to heal many minor kitchen burns. Our gated garden in the front is visited daily by a California non-crested bluejay. There are lots of other birds around, sometimes even hummingbirds, but the bluejay comes around most often...must be a nest nearby.

Handquilting Tools

Here's my trusty basket of tools with a thimble, pincushion, scissors and thread that I use when handquilting. I'm currently working on a Sunbonnet Sue quilt which you might find a picture of in the March archives. In quilt lingo unfinished stuff is often referred to as UFOs. My Sunbonnet Sue is one of those. Now that I'm thinking of UFOs (I have a few), I'm wishing I could sit and get with it, but not yet! The Casita is currently being painted inside and out and paint crews are underfoot. We've had to move things around and the house is quite a mess. Summer's on the horizon, the puppy is potty-trained, the garden's in good order and once the house is freshly painted, this Casita will surely settle down. I am oh so ready for some peaceful quilting time!